Gardner-Webb grad shot in Las Vegas

A Gardner-Webb University graduate is in critical condition after being shot in the head by the gunman who killed 59 people in Las Vegas on Sunday night.

Tina Frost was with her boyfriend at the Country Music Festival in Nevada when shots rang out.

Hours later, hundreds were injured, dozens killed, and Frost was in surgery.

A 2012 graduate of the university in Boiling Springs, Frost now lives in California, but friendships she forged in Cleveland County as a student, soccer player and friend have remained strong.

The now vice-president of student development at the college, Sarah Currie was an assistant soccer coach when Frost was at the school.

Already struck with emotion about the tragedy in Las Vegas, the pain deepened when Currie learned Frost had been critically injured. She said a prayer for the 27-year-old and quickly texted Frost's mother and younger sister.

Frost's parents left their home in Maryland and immediately took a flight to be by their daughter's side.

They've been using social media to tell friends and family about the surgery that resulted in the removal of the young woman's right eye. Though she is still in a coma, she is stable. Her family continues to remain optimistic and thanks well-wishers for all their support and prayers.

Those attending Wednesday night's women's soccer match will join in a moment of silence to think about or pray for Frost.

People have also shown support through a GoFundMe page. The initial goal was $50,000 when the page was created Monday night. By Tuesday afternoon, more than $106,000 had been donated to the family and the total continues to climb.

Currie said she has made a donation, as have other alum, including some of Frost's former teammates.

"We have a sense of community here. I think what you find as a student, and even as you launch into the word, that that community is still strong and supportive," she said.

When Currie talks about Frost's character a smile washes over her face. She describes Frost as a disciplined person with a carefree side.

"I think there's a playful spirit about Tina that really just draws people in. You want to spend time with her because that's who she is," she said.

Currie said she knows the whole country is mourning the loss of life that happened at the hands of a lone gunman, but her voice cracked as she talked about the personal connection to someone so seriously injured by the senseless act.

"All of a sudden, it hits a different level when you realize that somebody you know could lose their life," she said.

Waiting to hear updates and hoping for good news is tough, Currie added.

"She's just at the beginning of her life and making a difference where she is. For that to come to an end if it did would be so tragic," she said. "I know everybody that was affected has a similar story. It just so happens that I know her story."

Diane Turbyfill can be reached at 704-669-3334 and Twitter.com/ShelbyStarDiane.